Why The Seated Bronze Amitabha Buddha

The Seated Bronze Amitabha Buddha is an extraordinary h 82cm Buddhist sculpture made during the Goryeo Dynasty, 12th century - 13th century. The sculpture is from the collection of the National Museum of Korea and it is made of cast bronze. This Buddha, is the central symbol of eternal light and longevity. Through this beautiful sculpture we can see the perfect relationship between culture and faith. As all the statues of Buddha's, this gilt bronze statue was made to represent more than a religion. The statue brings peace and happiness to all who view them.

This Seated Bronze Amitabha Buddha particularly has an amazing historical background that we must take into account in order to fully appreciate it. First, we need to know that Buddhism did not always exist in Korea. Before Buddhism reached this country, there were 3 kingdoms battling for the piece of land northeast of the kingdom of China; Goryeo, Silla, and Gaya. Wang Geon, a general who had served a prince of Silla unified the three kingdoms and ruled most of the Korean peninsula. Buddhism reached a great splendor until
The bronze casting techniques that were used at that time for the manufacture of coins, bells and statues, were adapted to make other types of metal. Koreans used a model based on the creation of sand molds and casting method. Moreover, the casting of bronze at that time developed a unique style in the representation of ritual objects. But it was also used for other purposes; bronze daggers for example, represented prestige and authority. The bronze was an important element in ceremonies and in funeral offering. Seeing this, we can get an idea of the importance of Buddhism at that time, not only in Korea but in a greater part of Asia. Most of the Buddha's sculptures were made of cast bronze. For example, we have the gorgeous gilt bronze figure of Avalokiteshvara from Nepal, 13th century. The medieval Nepalese were among the finest bronze casters in the